Solar Panel Cost Guide in Champlin, MN (2023 Update)
- Champlin Solar Installation Cost: $14,314
- 25-Year Savings: $19,607
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Champlin
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Champlin.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Champlin it's 2.84 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Champlin is around 7.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,314 for a solar installation, or $20,469 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Champlin based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Champlin that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Champlin
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,957 |
| 3 years | $-10,243 |
| 5 years | $-7,529 |
| 7 years | $-4,816 |
| 9 years | $-2,102 |
| 11 years | $611 |
| 13 years | $3,325 |
| 15 years | $6,039 |
| 17 years | $8,752 |
| 19 years | $11,466 |
| 21 years | $14,180 |
| 23 years | $16,893 |
| 25 years | $19,607 |
Top Solar Installers in Champlin
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you aren't sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Champlin:
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Champlin
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Champlin
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Champlin: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,840. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Champlin, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Champlin to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.95 | $12,405 | $15,855 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $21,457 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $27,219 | 10.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $33,140 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $39,220 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $45,460 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $51,858 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $58,415 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Champlin, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Champlin, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Champlin?
The average cost of solar panels in Champlin is about $14,200 for a 5-kW system and $28,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Champlin?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Champlin?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.